Pillow talk from opposite ends of Earth
Finnish duo behind Studio Kukamuka work remotely, one in Austria, the other in Vancouver
It’s no secret unique decor elements can transform a space.
A new collection from the Vancouver-based Studio Kukamuka is aiming to take the transformation a step further by bringing the outdoors in.
We caught up with Petra Kaksonen and Paivi Vahala, the founders of the brand, to learn more about their company, the new pillow collection, and using nature as an inspiration for design.
QFor those who aren’t familiar with it, what is Kukamuka?
AWe are two Finnish designers combining our talents to create original print and surface patterns for architecture, interior textiles, fashion and home decor.
We work remotely from the opposite side of the world: Paivi Vahala, an artist and textile designer, lives and works in Vienna, Austria, and Petra Kaksonen, a graphic designer, is based in Vancouver.
QIs there a story behind the name?
AYes. As we were working together in Vienna, we were going through hundreds of potential names. We wanted a Finnish reference, but everything we liked was taken. We started to play with words and came up with Kukamuka.
It’s Finnish yet sounds Japanese. In Swahili it means “to go,” In the Tumbuka language it is one word for the sun. It’s a name you can have fun with. It suits us well, it’s not too serious and works anywhere in the world.
QWhat makes it different from other pillow/home decor brands?
AWe want to create timeless designs with unique, handdrawn patterns.
There is always an element of surprise: a modern twist on wabi-sabi combined with unusual, bold colours and the simplicity of Nordic Design tradition.
QWhat inspires the various designs?
AOur designs are based on Paivi’s original hand-painted and hand-drawn artwork. In all our patterns, you can feel the human hand in the organic shapes.
QWhat can you share about the Luonto Collection?
AWe partnered with Vancouver-based Pillow Décor to design our first North-American throw pillow collection. The Luonto Collection (nature in Finnish) is inspired by the untamed wilderness and peacefulness of nature. Treasures collected on long beach walks, the fog after the rain, summer light in the forest.
We designed a collection of six pillows in fours colours (blue, sage, burgundy and yellow) ready for you to build your own mix.
The pillows feel modern yet are playful and fun.
They look great on a sofa but are also perfect for afternoon naps and building forts.
The soft, felt fabric looks elegant and is easy to care for. We are very happy with how the collection turned out. The reception has been great.
QWhat is the price range for Luonto throw pillows?
AThe pillows come in three sizes: 12x19-inch, 19x19-inch and 22x22-inch. The prices range from $59.95 to $99.95.
QAnd where can people check them out?
AThe collection is sold at kukamuka.com.
QLastly, what’s next for the brand?
AWe are currently designing a collection of bedding and fashion textiles from rubber boots to bow ties. We are just getting started.